With the 4-10 Winnipeg Blue Bombers virtually eliminated from the CFL playoffs, their plans will turn towards the future. And new blood will be on the practice field when the players return after their first bye week of the current campaign.

"There's plenty of moves to make, it's just when you make them," club GM Brendan Taman said yesterday. "We're on a bye week first so, first things first. The coaches and players will get some time to relax, re-group and get ready for the last four games. Normally, at this time of year, whether you're 14-4 or 4-14, you bring people in. So, when we go to practice next week, we'll have a couple of new guys in."

One of those could be quarterback Craig Ochs, a recent NFL cut who is on the team's neg list, Taman said.

He will likely be joined by linebackers, defensive backs and receivers.

"We've got a feel for what we need and what we don't need," Taman said. "Charlie's (Roberts) one of the best running backs in the league and our defensive front's pretty good. Every other position, there's probably going to be a question mark around. To what degree, we'll figure that out as we go.

"Over the last four games, there's still a lot of guys in a position where they're going to have to show us what they're all about."

Taman is also open to making a deal if the right offer comes along. The trade deadline is Oct. 19.

"I'm looking to improve in any way I can," he said. "If it's a trade, so be it. At this stage, why not? Depending on who it is. There is nothing imminent at all but by the trade deadline, maybe we can put something together."

But names have already been bandied about with other CFL squads, Taman admitted.

Taman realizes that the Bombers desperately need to show their fans some promise for the future.

"Promise is in the eye of the beholder and we've got to show people the last four games that we've got something," he said.

HURTING: Import OL John Feugill suffered what is suspected to be serious knee ligament damage in the game against Montreal. His status is expected to be determined today.

"The initial reports aren't good and he likely won't play our next game," Taman said.

If he cannot play, Feugill would likely be replaced by Jermese Jones, who is still on the practice roster.

Meanwhile, DL Doug Brown, who played the last game on an injured left foot, suffered an injury to his right foot.

LATE BREAK: The coaches will be off until Saturday while the players have until next Tuesday, their first break since mid-May.

"It's just unfortunate scheduling," said head coach Jim Daley. "We could have used a break six weeks ago and another one now -- not two in a month. But that's neither here nor there."

Well, it is for some players.

"It kind of really irritates me that we're getting our first bye week now and other teams have had two," said veteran FB Wade Miller. "That's asinine. It's not the reason we lose but it's definitely a competitive advantage that other teams have had."